In our final discussion about healthy holiday eating, we are going to talk about what to do when things don’t go as planned. It happens to all of us, despite our best planning and efforts sometimes we just lose the battle. But that doesn’t mean the war is lost. You can use the following tactics to get back on track:
Start Over Healthier! The new day or meal is a new start. If things don’t go well one day or meal, afterward drink plenty of water and get back to eating healthy. If you do, in the long run that day or meal will only be a little part in the overall holiday season.
Talk About it! You are not the only one battling holiday weight gain. Talk it out and get the support of your family and friends. Figure out where you’re plan went wrong so it doesn’t happen again.
Exercise it off! If you feel like you’ve been eating just a bit too much then try to increase your exercise. It doesn’t have to be a major change either. Just like each little nibble and bite adds up, so does a bit of exercise here and there. Try adding simple things like parking in the back of the lot when doing your holiday shopping or dancing while cleaning up the Thanksgiving dinner dishes.
Lighten up! Try to get some sunlight. If we don’t get enough sunlight it can have a negative effect on our moods and that’s usually not good for our appetites or willpower. To combat this, try to get out and get a little sun each day. For example, taking a walk at lunch time can not only get you your daily dose of sun, but can fulfill your activity for the day too.
Turkey Rice Quiche
Not sure what to do with all that leftover turkey. Here’s a tasty way to use up some of it.
- 3 cups cooked medium grain brown rice, cooled to room temperature.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey cubes
- 3/4 cup finely diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup finely diced green peppers
- 1/2 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy seasoning blend
- 1 cup egg substitute
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded reduced fat Cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part skim Mozzarella cheese
Combine rice, turkey, tomatoes, onions, green pepper, Mrs. Dash, egg substitute and milk in a greased 9X13-inch pan. Top with cheeses. Bake at 350°F 20 to 25 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. To serve, cut quiche into 8 squares.
Serves 6 to 8.
Guest Author: Thanks to our guest author Stacy R. Renouf, RD, LD for this article. Stacy is the general outpatient dietitian here at the Medical University of South Carolina. She provides individual nutrition counseling on a variety of topics and diseases including diabetes, weight loss, kidney failure, and general healthy eating? For more information visit our nutritional services Web page.
